Good tube literature

Hi, It was suggested to me a couple weeks ago on this forum to check my RCA receiving tube manual for some data I was looking for. Not only did I not have one, I didn't know such a thing existed! Well, after a little e-baying I now have two (a 1947 and a 1968). I wish I had known about these 8 months ago. What a wealth of practical down to earth tube data. I thought it might be helpful to have a thread where members could list literature that has been helpful to them. My list would go as follows.

I find it helps my understanding to read (and re-read!) the first section of the RCA Receiving Tube Manual called "Electrons, Electrodes and Electron Tubes". The discussion concisely progresses from the idea of an electron cloud around a heated element through the concept of a diode, triode, tetrode, pentode, etc.
I never took electronics classes in school (although I had the basic physics classes that taught about charge, Ohm's law, and the like), so this is greatly educational to me!

I like collecting odd & unusual tubes, and I have found Ludwell Sibley's "Tube Lore" book helpful for identifying rare & strange tubes, but while it gives some technical parameters (heater voltage, architecture, etc.) it is not really a technical manual. I like the historical data, though.

I also like looking at the old tube boxes, too, and there is a great website for that at:

I find it helps my understanding to read (and re-read!) the first section of the RCA Receiving Tube Manual called "Electrons, Electrodes and Electron Tubes". The discussion concisely progresses from the idea of an electron cloud around a heated element through the concept of a diode, triode, tetrode, pentode, etc.
I never took electronics classes in school (although I had the basic physics classes that taught about charge, Ohm's law, and the like), so this is greatly educational to me!

I like collecting odd & unusual tubes, and I have found Ludwell Sibley's "Tube Lore" book helpful for identifying rare & strange tubes, but while it gives some technical parameters (heater voltage, architecture, etc.) it is not really a technical manual. I like the historical data, though.

I also like looking at the old tube boxes, too, and there is a great website for that at:

Hi, It was suggested to me a couple weeks ago on this forum to check my RCA receiving tube manual for some data I was looking for. Not only did I not have one, I didn't know such a thing existed! Well, after a little e-baying I now have two (a 1947 and a 1968). I wish I had known about these 8 months ago. What a wealth of practical down to earth tube data. I thought it might be helpful to have a thread where members could list literature that has been helpful to them. My list would go as follows.

I've read more, but these stand out, what are some of your favorites? Jay

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I picked up an RCA manual (c.1955) last week myself along with some supplements and a manual for a Heathkit TC1 tube tester (missed the tester :tears also a service manual for a 1957 Ford car radio. All for a buck. The RCA is a fun read.

Hey!!!,
Just wanted to mention that a good lab proceedure is useful. For that matter, a lab session with clearly defined goals is very important.

Just as with any structured lab course, setting up the experiments, and recording the data provide the best way to interpret and judge the results. Read the theory, do the paperwork, and measure what you've got...

Sometimes the ears are the best tool, and sometimes one can get along with something a lot simpler, like a volt-meter!
cheers,
Douglas

I picked up an RCA manual (c.1955) last week myself along with some supplements and a manual for a Heathkit TC1 tube tester (missed the tester :tears also a service manual for a 1957 Ford car radio. All for a buck. The RCA is a fun read.

Click to expand...

I still have my TC1. It was my first tester and I still use it for certain tubes :thmbsp:

I just got an e-mail from Amazon plugging a book I didn't know about

"Building" Valve Amplifiers by Morgan Jones

Seems to be geared more toward layout and mechanics of homebrew I just ordered my copy :yes:

Hey, I received my copy of "Building" Valve amplifiers by Morgan Jones yesterday. NO MATH NO MATH did I mention NO MATH I've only had the chance to skim it over, but it looks to be excellent reading for the beginner or old salt alike. Lots of info on tools, test equipment, etc. I hope to get a chance to read it this weekend. I just wanted to make everyone aware of it's prescence. Jay